Organized Businesses led by NECA have praised Governor Peter Mbah’s reforms, infrastructure projects and economic policies while seeking stronger public-private collaboration to boost investment and enterprise growth in Enugu State.

Organized Businesses in Enugu State, led by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association South-East Geographical Zone, have commended the administration of Peter Mbah for its sweeping infrastructure renewal and economic reforms, describing the governor’s leadership as a catalyst for enterprise growth and investor confidence in the state.

The commendation came during a courtesy visit by members of the organized private sector to the Enugu State Government House as part of efforts aimed at deepening collaboration between government and businesses.

Speaking during the visit, President of NECA, Ifeanyi Okoye, appreciated Governor Mbah for hosting the delegation and praised the administration’s transformative initiatives, which he said have positively impacted businesses operating across Enugu State.

On behalf of Organized Businesses, Chairman of the NECA South-East Geographical Zone, Ugochukwu Chime, described the Mbah administration as a model of purposeful governance and economic revitalization.

Chime particularly applauded the state government’s investments in road infrastructure, urban renewal, security architecture, and the revitalization of strategic public assets, including the International Conference Centre, Presidential Hotel, and the launch of Enugu Air.

He also commended the administration’s interventions in restoring normal economic activities through measures addressing the disruptive Monday sit-at-home order, as well as the establishment of the Distress Response Team and deployment of modern surveillance systems to strengthen security and improve investor confidence.

While reaffirming support for the administration’s enterprise-driven policies, the delegation appealed for consistent implementation of harmonized taxes and levies, improved access to land and Certificates of Occupancy, increased private-sector participation in the power sector, and enhanced support for Small and Medium Enterprises through affordable financing and technical assistance.

The organized private sector also proposed the establishment of a quarterly engagement platform between government and businesses to address emerging economic and operational challenges in the state.

Responding, Governor Peter Mbah underscored the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving sustainable economic growth and development.

According to him, the organized private sector remains central to the state government’s economic projections and reforms aimed at improving the business environment.

The governor highlighted ongoing projects, including the Enugu Smart City initiative, tourism development efforts around Awhum Waterfall, Ngwo Pine Forest and Nsude Pyramid, alongside the state water project.

Of major significance, Mbah announced plans for a 660MW coal-fired power plant, with installation expected to commence in July 2026 and completion projected within 18 months.

He explained that the project would significantly address electricity supply challenges confronting businesses in the state upon completion.

Governor Mbah also reiterated the administration’s “Enugu First” procurement policy and encouraged businesses to engage relevant government agencies to benefit from ongoing state projects.

On MSME development, the governor disclosed that the state had secured single-digit interest funding for small businesses through the Enugu SME Centre and urged entrepreneurs to leverage the initiative to strengthen and expand their enterprises.

In further demonstration of commitment to enterprise growth, the governor approved the establishment of a Quarterly Business Forum for organized private-sector stakeholders to jointly address emerging business environment challenges.

He also directed that HAMPOC-YTL Limited, a company producing prepaid electricity and water meters in Enugu State, be considered for immediate contract award during the meeting.